LETICIA's Heart Valve Journal

Kimberly Biddick posted a note for LETICIA that says: Leticia - I am so happy to hear that you are home and recovering well! We appreciate your caregivers keeping us updated on your progress. You will be in my prayers as you continue to recover at home! From one Texan to another ;) ;) many blessings to you!!

Ron P posted a note for LETICIA that says: Praise God for your successful procedure and ongoing recovery - He is faithful - may His manifold presence be with you - may you be strengthened by this and encourage others - He turns our tests into testimonies !!!

DNS posted a note for LETICIA that says: Hi Leticia my name is Daarmesh from India and I also had a Valve replacement surgery, i just wanted to tell you that i more than 5 weeks now I feel great and recovering fast, so the same shall happen to you also and dont worry every thing will be fine

Liz Burroughs posted a note for LETICIA that says: Hi Leticia, good luck with your surgery tomorrow! My thoughts & prayers will be with you. Everything will be fine & you'll be on the road to recovery very soon. Take care. Liz

Neil Collins posted a note for LETICIA that says: Good Luck tomorrow Leticia. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts. Hoping for a speedy recovery.

Jacqueline Cook posted a note for LETICIA that says: Thinking of you Leticia as you prepare for your upcoming surgery. Sending positive thoughts and prayers! Your heart sister, Jacqueline

Carmen Ocanas posted a note for LETICIA that says: Thank you so much for sharing your journal with me. I truly appreciate. I find your notes soothing. It will be alright!! Praying for you

jen piatt posted a note for LETICIA that says: Hey Leticia,
its jen piatt. i just updated my journal. thanx for asking about me and reminding me to do that!! i get so busy and forget all about the updates until i hear from friends wondering how my heart is.

how is everything with you? have you had any change since your last update?
*i always wonder if you can change your condition with one traumatic event??? let me know how u r doing.
*jen

jeniver posted a note for LETICIA that says: hi tisha,
i just read your story. i am playing the waiting game too. i have BAV plus a aneurysm which after searching the site today realizing how many females have the same diagnosis. (thought i was alone. i could not find any females with the same condition) enjoy your babies and austin too (i used to live in san marcos) and even though you are in a *heart vs. dr's* ping pong match. keep your mind at ease knowing that you are being monitored and the dr's are on top of things. listen to your body and try not to let your mind take over.
i will watch for your updates.

you are not alone- keep positive

Hi Leticia,

Thank you for the encouraging messages. It has been quite an experience to go through this surgery and be on the other side. As for the waiting, it is very hard to be told that you have a problem that will be monitored. Just keep in mind that the 3 month period is only a guideline so that if at ANY TIME you feel like you are having more symptoms by all means do let your cardiologist know right away. Steve's cardiologist could see that Steve's condition was moderate/severe but he also had the discernment to hear that Steve was having many symptoms. Take care and we look forward to your updates.

Steve and Aida

Hi Leticia,

Hope you are doing well. I am checking in one last time before the big day...the 31st. You will be in our thoughts. If you don't hear from us you will know why but we are keeping our eye on your updates as well.

Take care and God Bless. He will help us get through this one day at a time.

Steve and Aida

Hi Leticia,

I was a "borderline" mitral and tricuspid valve surgery patient, and I spent a year getting tests and second and third opinions, and eventually, surgery. I knew the surgery was inevitable, and I just didn't see the point in sitting around waiting to get worse. While I was scared to death to have the surgery, I requested to have it done sooner rather than later. I probably could have waited another year. My only regret is that I waited as long as I did. The waiting truly is the worst part of the whole ordeal. I did not have a "perfect" outcome, but it is certainly good enough to enjoy a good quality of life AND I don't have to worry about my crappy valves anymore.

You may want to read Dave Van Buren's journal about valve surgery risks......it is very informative. I wish you all the best on your journey.....it can be overwhelming.
Godspeed and Godbless,
Deb Ziegler

Hi Leticia,

Welcome to the Heart Journal! You have come to the right place. It is scary finding you need heart surgery within 6 weeks. Please know that we are all in the same boat with you.

I had my angiogram about a week ago and it was not as bad as I thought. My nurses were all very informative in helping me understand the procedure. They will do the same for you. They will also give you pain medication to help numb the area before they start. The procedure takes about 45 minutes. Afterwards, I was in the recovery room for about 4-6 hours. But, after that time I was able to walk and go home. You will need someone give you a ride home. I was sore for about 3 days but nothing more than that.

My heart surgery is scheduled for the 31st of January. The next six weeks will go by very fast.

My best to you! You are not alone...we are all here to help you.

Steve Bond